Posted by DaJahVeu [DaJahVeu] on November 09, 1999 at 15:51:40 {4Hfg918T5g0hi4VK0MIQoEhE92Gn1k}:
Here's a quote by Charlie Russell that I believe sums up the famous letter of Acts 15.
"The things here recommended were necessary to a preservation of the fellowship of the "body" composed of Jews and Gentiles... A similar thought attaches to the prohibition of the use of blood. To the Jew it was forbidden... These prohibitions had never come to the Gentiles, because they had never been under the Law Covenant; but so deeply rooted were the Jewish ideas on the subject that it was necessary for the peace of the church [or congregation] that the Gentiles should observe this matter also' (Zion's Watchtower ,15 April 1909, p. 4374).
As wrong as Russell was on some of his wild ideas, I don't think he would have allowed his organization to demand its followers die for its teachings. And, I can't help but believe that Charlie was used by God to a certain extent.
Russell further stated that organizations weren't a means to accomplish God's end.
"Beware of organizations. It is wholly unnecessary. The Bible will be the only rules you will need. Do not seek to bind others consciences, and do not allow others to bind yours. Believe and obey so far as you can understand God's word today." WT 1895 P 216.
"Yes, sir; being set free from the law of sin and death we become the servants of the law of righteousness--we become the bond slave of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have no liberty at all. I am bound to do what I believe is the Lord's will. I am glad to be the slave of the Just One. I would not be a slave to you or to any government or system. I have never been in any church but one--that was a Congregational church, and I got out of that. Now I am not in bondage to any person or thing in the world--only to the Lord. If you get the right comprehension of anything that I write you will understand that I never ask you to come into bondage to any man or thing--but only to the Lord." -- Charles Taze Russell
NOTHING like what we see in operation today is it?
Any witnesses care to comment???